Three from same family killed in horror truck crash at notorious Adelaide Hills black spot

Devastating update leaves community in shock as witnesses describe “confronting” scene

Birdwood, Adelaide Hills – Three people from the same family lost their lives in a violent collision between a cattle truck and a Toyota sedan at a well-known dangerous intersection near Birdwood yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the junction of Martin Hill Road (also referred to as Warren Road in some reports) and Lucky Hit Road around 1:40pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Major Crash investigators quickly attended the scene, describing it as one of significant impact.

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The black Toyota sedan was extensively damaged, coming to rest off the road with its bonnet crumpled and doors forced open. Three passengers inside the car — a 64-year-old man, a 27-year-old woman, and a 22-year-old woman — died at the scene despite desperate efforts by first responders.

The 73-year-old male driver of the sedan suffered life-threatening injuries, while a fourth passenger, a 56-year-old man, was seriously hurt. Both men had to be cut free from the twisted wreckage by rescue crews before being airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for urgent treatment.

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Royal Adelaide Hospital – Wikipedia

The 50-year-old truck driver, from South Australia’s Mid North, escaped without physical injury. He has been assisting police with their investigation and has not been charged at this stage.

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Three people killed, two injured in crash involving car and truck near Birdwood – ABC News

Police closed multiple roads in the area while investigators examined the site. The roads have since reopened, but the tragedy has reignited long-standing community concerns about safety at this intersection, which locals describe as a notorious black spot with a history of serious accidents.

Local resident and former Country Fire Service (CFS) captain Michael Bell from nearby Forreston rushed to the scene to offer assistance. He described the aftermath as “fairly confronting.”

“The truck is sort of crossed up at the intersection and the black sedan is off to the left-hand side, off the road, and emergency services are everywhere,” Mr Bell told reporters.

Another local who attended the scene, Jim Rathjen, urged drivers to take extra care, especially with the Easter long weekend approaching.

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Serious crash involving car and truck near Birdwood in Adelaide Hills – ABC News

Police have described the update as heartbreaking and are continuing to piece together the exact circumstances of the crash. Major Crash investigators remain at the scene gathering evidence, including vehicle examinations, road conditions, and witness statements.

The deaths mark the 23rd, 24th, and 26th road fatalities in South Australia this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about rural road safety in the Adelaide Hills.

The tight-knit Hills community is reeling from the loss. Three members of one family were wiped out in what witnesses called an instantaneous and devastating impact. Friends and neighbours are offering support to the surviving injured men and the wider family as they face unimaginable grief.

Investigators have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area around that time to contact police immediately.

As the investigation continues, questions are being raised once again about what more can be done to improve safety at this hazardous junction before another tragedy strikes.

Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives and with the two men still fighting for theirs in hospital.